Political Tensions Flare in Patna Over Protest Venue Dispute
In Patna, a heated war of words has erupted between the ruling alliance and opposition parties regarding the holding of a 'Jan-Aakrosh Mahila Sammelan' at Gandhi Maidan on Monday. This controversy follows the defeat of the Constitution amendment bill aimed at implementing reservation for women in the legislature in the Lok Sabha, sparking significant political friction.
Opposition Alleges Bias in Venue Access
The opposition has strongly criticized the event, claiming that Gandhi Maidan has been unfairly barred as a protest site for them while being accessible to the ruling alliance. Congress spokesperson Rajesh Rathore labeled the gathering as "a double standard policy" and "a govt protest, not a political protest." He alleged that Jeevika Didis and government employees were mobilized under pressure through district magistrates, accusing the NDA of misusing state machinery to cover the embarrassment of the bill's defeat.
RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan echoed these sentiments, stating, "This is a double standard policy — you are allowing the venue to be used by the ruling alliance while not allowing the same for the opposition. This is a violation of the constitutional system."
Ruling Alliance Defends Legitimacy of Protest
In response, the ruling alliance maintained that the 'Sammelan' was conducted with due permission from the district administration, adhering strictly to existing rules and procedures. BJP leader Prem Ranjan Patel defended the event, explaining, "Several teachers' marches have been taken out from Gandhi Maidan — they gathered there after informing the administration. At the Monday's Akrosh March, only an address took place. There was no plan to go anywhere else. Everyone assembled and went around Gandhi Maidan, and it concluded right there. The administration had prior information and it prepared accordingly."
He further clarified that while a dharna cannot be held at Gandhi Maidan, protest marches are permissible, citing past instances. This stance is supported by a Patna High Court directive from 2015, which designates Gardanibagh as the preferred location for demonstrations in the city.
Call for Respect and Introspection
JD(U) MLC Neeraj Kumar urged all political parties to respect the court's directive and avoid politicizing the issue. He stated, "No one has heard of lathis being used at Gandhi Maidan, but all political parties should respect the Patna high court's directive and the people. Rather than making this a political issue, it is better to introspect and work on it." This comment highlights the broader need for adherence to legal frameworks and constructive dialogue amidst the ongoing tensions.
The dispute underscores deeper political divisions in Bihar, with both sides leveraging the venue issue to critique each other's policies and actions. As the debate continues, it reflects the volatile nature of state politics and the challenges in balancing protest rights with regulatory compliance.
